Private Jet Etiquette: What to Wear and How to Behave

It’s your first private flight. You’ve heard about the luxurious environment inside a private jet and probably you will want to match that with your best outfit. That might be the case if you’re on a business trip, but wouldn’t that rule apply as well for an economy class ticket with a commercial airline? Monarch Air Group provides you with some unspoken rules that may come in handy before your next private flight.

What to wear

Well, that depends on the purpose of your flight. If you’re traveling for business, then the usual dress code should apply. But when traveling for holidays or leisure in general, try not to overdress; you don’t have to match your dressing with the luxury of the jet.

How to behave

Just because you’re not piloting the plane is no excuse to arrive slightly drunk or to overindulge on a flight with the great food and beverages that will be offered. Furthermore, the vast majority of private jets have bathrooms and you don’t want to leave a mess or steal small samples of shampoo. You might be the only passenger on the flight, who else will the flight crew blame? And please, don’t take pictures of other passengers, especially if you’ve been invited.

How to pack

Not because you’re spending more money on a private flight you are allowed to bring more pieces of luggage. It doesn’t work that way. Lots of jets set luggage limits because of the size of the luggage compartment door, or weight restrictions based on how many people or how much fuel is required for the flight. The one-bag restriction exists for a reason.

How to sit

If you didn’t charter the plane yourself, there’s an unspoken rule on the verge of common sense that needs to apply if someone else paid for the flight: the person who paid for the trip gets the best seat, period. If you’re invited for a flight, never jump on the plane before the owner; he must have a favorite seat and wouldn’t like to see a guest sitting there before he does.

How and what to ask for

Good manners should apply up in the air as on the ground. Private travel is more expensive than commercial, sure, but that doesn’t mean you can ask for anything that comes to mind. A certain type of wine? Check. A specific type of meal? That too. Asking the pilots to push through bad weather to avoid delays? A definite no-no. You should ask for everything up front, right when you book your flight. Once onboard it might be too late for the crew to meet every requirement.

Get an instant quote for a private flight with Monarch Air Group here or ask us for advice before your next flight at 1 954 359 0059.

Monarch Air Group LLC is not an aircraft operator. All aircraft are operated by FAA part 135 or part 121 operators, or foreign CAA equivalent. Monarch Air Group is a charter broker working on behalf of its client, as defined by DOT 14 CFR part 295.